Philopation

Philopation was a park situated north of the Byzantine Emperor's palace in Constantinople in the 9th century.

History

In 867, Emperor Basil I set up a wolf hunting event for his family in the park to allay the circulating rumors of the assassination attempt inside the palace against his son, Leo. Meanwhile, Empress Eudocia and Leo sat together while under the protection of the Varangian guards Thyra, Justin, and the Byzantine Hidden One Hytham who posed as another Varangian guard. Hytham soon heard Basim Ibn Ishaq's bird-call and left Leo and the empress in Thyra's hands. Upon seeing Basim, he noticed that Basim was beside a wolf, which was unexpectedly calm.

After the hunters' voices left the vicinity, the wolf left Basim as both Master Assassin and his acolyte talked. Basim admitted to being distant in order to cool down from Hytham's capture by the Order and disobedience, but stated that his anger did not subside. Readying their weapons, Basim and Hytham sparred but it was one-sided due to Hytham's injuries. Ultimately, Basim won their match when he held his blade to Hytham's throat. Letting him go, Basim scolded Hytham for ignoring his orders and becoming too close to Leo. Hytham apologized but stated that he had followed every order, though he refused to let Leo be a pawn.

Basim explained that Hytham's care and protection of Leo made him jealous due to his rough childhood with his own father, Ishaq ibn Khalid. He also admitted he could not lose Hytham, due to his value to the Hidden Ones and especially to him. Hytham responded by saying he valued their friendship, too. Nevertheless, to deter Basil from killing his son again, Basim focused back on the mission, revealing his plan to use Leo as bait in order to draw Isaac and his fellow Order members to attack. Though reluctant, Hytham agreed to follow his orders.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: The Golden City